Bible Reading Plans that Fit Your Busy Life

When You are Afraid to Do What God is Calling you to Do: 3 Suggestions

July 18, 2014

Do you like yourself?

Are you comfortable in your skin?

I think the most enjoyable and fun people are the ones who are okay with who they are. They like themselves, not in a prideful way–nobody wants to be around those people who like themselves too much.

I don’t even know anybody like that anymore. I might have known a few in high school, or at least they were perceived that way, but the truth is we all have insecurities, even the most beautiful and talented.

And I think that life just has a way of knocking you down a few bars to keep you humble.

It’s funny, but I’m normally okay with me. I usually like myself–at least, I like the person on the inside. I’ve made peace with my faults, been thankful for them even, and I’ve devoured Jesus because He is the only thing in me worth giving away.

But God is stretching me.

He’s making me come to another level of trust. Another level of putting myself out there for Him.

Another level of need for grace.

As I’m preparing for this next level, I’ve discovered some things that I really don’t like about myself.

But this is how God made. me.

Do I really believe that all of God’s’ works are wonderful and that I am one of His wonderful works?

Do you really believe that you are wonderful the way He made you?

Crooked nose.

Frizzy hair.

Funny voice.

Maybe you’re okay with your outward appearance and mannerisms, but you don’t like your insides or wish you had someone else’s gifts.

This sentence is profound:

“Comparison is compromise that becomes a box that confines.” ~Michele Perry

I wish I wrote it.

Oh, wait! That’s comparison.

I’ve written something like her words in other blog posts:

[tweetability]”We sink in the quicksand of comparison, but camaraderie gives us wings to fly.”[/tweetability]

God never let’s me teach something without experiencing it. He’s good like that.

Is God calling you to something that scares you to death? Have you asked yourself why you are scared? I bet you a million bucks that your answer is very similar to mine.

Fear.

Fear of failure. Fear of not doing it well. Fear of judgment.

How do we get beyond this?

I’m no expert, just a real person dealing with real issues just like you, and these are the 3 things I’m going to do:

Spend a lot of time in prayer and reading the Bible seeking God’s guidance and assurance that I am hearing Him correctly.

“Dear Jesus, we worship you. We lift up your name. We keep our eyes on you because when we take them to other people we are paralyzed. The enemy wants us to quit. His favorite weapons are pride and fear. When our eyes are on you the pride fades and so does the fear. Purify our motives. Cleanse our hearts. May we bring you glory, no matter what the world thinks. All your works are beautiful. We know that, and we are yours. Thank you. Amen.”

With Joy,

ps. Thank you to my daughter and her friend, Lillian Higgins for permission to use the photo at the beginning of the blog. I couldn’t resist. Beautiful. Photo credit of the butterfly: wikimediacommons.

Andy, once again exactly what I needed at this time in my life. Funny hoe God knows these things. Your words are so uplifting and meaningful and above all else practical. Thank you for sharing who God is in your life with us always and a special thanks for your wonderful prayer reminding us to always keep our eyes fixed on Him. <3

I am always so thankful and humbled to know it is just what you need at this time. Thank you for always letting me know. Thank you for reading, and praise God that the words bring encouragement–my struggles used for His glory. Isn’t that how it should be? I think when this happens, it’s a blow to the enemy.

Kind words. I humbly say, thank you.

Andy – your writing is so beautiful! What a stunning gift you have and thank you so much for sharing it with us. You truly inspire me and seem to write what I need in the moment.

- Esther

I have been following you since the night you came and spoke at Brandon Christian Writers. We talked about growing up as a military brats, the similar places we had lived, etc. I don’t comment often, but I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your writing and being with you on our faith journeys.

So often, I feel like you write just what God wants me to hear or study and pray about. I want to confirm for you that your writing does make a difference. Thanks!

- Marsha Stephenson

"I have the privilege of calling Andy a close and dear friend. We met several years ago and discovered we were both writers. From that point on our hearts have been united in God. Andy is not just a skilled writer but a woman after God’s heart and that’s what makes both her writing and speaking effective and powerful!"

- Sandra Chambers, Wilmington, NC

Thank you so much for your inspiration, stories, and your amazing gift to teach/preach. We have enjoyed meeting you! ~ Julie and Jenna (Mom and daughter attending women's retreat in Portland, Maine.)

"Andy Lee's words will affect you ... but her heart will stay with you for a long, long time."

- Eva Marie Everson, author, Christy Award Nominee

"My sister and I attended the conference at MAG in Ohio. It was a blessing to us both, and Tina is totally enjoying the gift Bible that she won. May God bless you."

- Mable Mason, Ohio

"You have always conveyed God’s word in a way that touches my heart and has been known to even penetrate my head! I love you Andy…keep up the good work! "

- Mary Beth Doane, Beverly, MA

"My dear friend, as always, your insightfullness astounds me. Thank you for all you give us to contemplate, it is appreciated. Yours in Christ, J"

- J. Miller, Wilmington, NC

I truly enjoy your posts and your perspectives. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent with us. We can tweet it, email it, pin it, facebook it and continue the sharing!